Condor’s St Malo service on Monday could be hit by Jersey Customs strike

STRIKE action involving Jersey Customs on Monday should not see any disruption to travel links with Guernsey, but those making onward European journeys from the island may be affected.

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(Picture by Tony Rive)

Jersey Civil Service Association Prospect and Unite the Union have confirmed that Customs and Immigration officials will join teaching assistants in a walk-out on Monday.

While there are no international flights scheduled for Monday from Jersey, Condor’s St Malo ferry service is likely to be disrupted – potentially impacting around 113 passengers.

There are two boats scheduled to arrive in Jersey and one due to depart that day.

In addition to Monday’s strike of Customs officers and teaching assistants, other civil servants are due to walk out on Tuesday and gather in the Royal Square as the States begins its first sitting of the new year.

‘Ports of Jersey would like to reassure both air and sea passengers travelling on domestic services – those within the UK and Channel Islands – next Monday that the proposed industrial action will not impact upon their journey and that they should continue with their travel plans,’ said a spokesman.

‘However, Monday’s proposed industrial action is likely to impact the St Malo service, with two arrivals and one departure scheduled, affecting approximately 113 passengers.

‘Ports of Jersey is liaising with Condor Ferries and is awaiting a further update.

‘No international flights are scheduled at Jersey Airport on Monday.’

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He added that while immigration requirements do not apply to those arriving in the island from domestic flights, passengers will still be subject to Customs checks from their place of departure and ‘should not exceed their usual Customs allowance’.

‘Ports of Jersey is establishing a working party to consider long-term contingency plans should this industrial action continue and how it may impact on future operations at the ports,’ he added.

‘In the meantime, Ports of Jersey will continue to work alongside relevant agencies to ensure minimum disruption for its passengers.’

Three education unions – the NEU, Jersey Association of Headteachers and NASUWT – are all in the process of deciding whether to call strike action as a result of the ongoing pay dispute.

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Public sector staff have been angered by the proposed pay deals for 2018 and 2019, with the unions arguing that below-inflation awards are eroding the standard of living for staff.

The Jersey States Employment Board has said there is ‘no capacity’ to offer higher pay awards as the States does not have enough money for increased offers.

Further union ballots are due to end soon with the Royal College of Nursing vote closing last night and the NEU ballot ending on Monday.

Both Unite and JCSA Prospect have said that further civil servant strike action could follow should the States refuse to return to negotiations.

Customs and Immigration officers are due to strike all day on Monday while teaching assistants are planning to walk out between 11.30am and 2pm.